WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?

Dry Needling is a treatment technique where thin filiform needles are inserted through the skin into pathological areas of the muscle known as "trigger points" for the purpose of relieving myofascial pain and muscle spasm. These are the same needles used in traditional acupuncture therapy, they are solid rather than hollow, and no medication is injected.

Dry needling is used in conjunction with other manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercise.

When performing dry needling, there may be a "twitch response" where the specific band of muscle involuntarily contracts in response to insertion of the needle. Beneficial effects can occur without elicitation of the twitch response. Sometimes electrotherapy is also applied with the trigger point needling technique, this is referred to as electroacupuncture. If electroacupuncture is considered appropriate, small clips are attached to specific needling locations and a mild electrical current is applied. Electrical muscle stimulation aids in stimulating blood flow, reducing pain and relieving muscular spasm.

In the State of California, the only providers who can legally perform these types of needling techniques are licensed acupuncturists and medical doctors. A licensed acupuncturist's education and training in needling techniques requires a Master's degree obtained after 3 years of education and training.

Compared to Dry Needling, Acupuncture, when applied as a form of traditional Chinese medicine, uses acupuncture points on the surface of the body that are located along "meridians" that correspond with the internal organs and the energies associated with those organs. Traditional acupuncture techniques aim to relieve congestion of energy and blood, thereby restoring circulation and reducing symptoms associated with said qi (energy) stagnation.

Graston Technique is successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute and even post surgical. The Graston Technique offers many advantages to the patient such as:

Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique is an interdisciplinary treatment used by more than 9,000 clinicians worldwide—including physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.

GT is utilized at some 830 outpatient facilities and industrial on-sites, by more than 160 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 38 respected colleges and universities.

Free consultations! Free postural tape for the month of April as well! Feel and look great by improving your posture and getting rid of chronic back and neck pain. Dr. Nikolic is a chiropractor serving the people of Irvine and Orange County by providing the latest and most affective treatments available.

Accepting most Insurances!! HMO & PPO

Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Cigna and more!

To schedule an appointment for your free consultation with your NEW chiropractor, Dr. Nikolic, call:(949) 300-2028Core sculpting tip of the day: Side plank + "clam shell"

Hips on the ground at first, then push both hips forward by engaging your glutes and obliques. Your body should be straight as an arrow from knee to shoulder. Easy? add the "clam shell" to activate your gluteus medius on the "up" side! Start slow, if it hurts don't continue!

Graston Technique is successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic or acute and post surgical. The Graston Technique offers many advantages to the patient such as:

Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique is an interdisciplinary treatment used by more than 9,000 clinicians worldwide—including physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.

GT is utilized at some 830 outpatient facilities and industrial on-sites, by more than 160 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 38 respected colleges and universities.